HC Deb 30 October 1986 vol 103 cc444-5
10. Mr. Dixon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve safety on farms.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Donald Thompson)

Responsibilities for farm safety rest primarily with the Health and Safety Executive. However, considerable emphasis is placed on safety considerations in advice given by my Department to farmers and particular attention is paid to safety in the training courses run by the Agricultural Training Board. The safety record in the industry must be improved. It is essential that everyone who lives or works on farms, and especially those responsible for children, should become much more safety conscious. I hope that they will read the chilling but excellent report of the Health and Safety Executive, "Agricultural Black Spot—A Study of Fatal Accidents".

Mr. Dixon

May I congratulate, or commiserate with, the hon. Gentleman on his appointment to the Government Front Bench?

Is he aware that in 1985 farm deaths rose by over one fifth on the previous year? Is he further aware that farming is the second most dangerous industry in Britain? Will he ensure that there are no further cuts in the numbers of agricultural inspectors? Indeed, will he ensure that more are appointed?

Mr. Thompson

I am aware of the number of fatalities last year. I am glad to report that to date such deaths are at a much lower level this year. The inspectors are nine understaffed at 165, but I believe that the Health and Safety Executive is doing all that it can to recruit more inspectors.

Sir John Farr

I congratulate my hon. Friend on his first speech from the Dispatch Box. Will he confirm that there will be no cuts in health and safety provision for farm workers and that the HSE service, which does such a good job, will be sustained and closely monitored by the Government?

Mr. Thompson

I can confirm all that my hon. Friend has asked.

Miss Maynard

Is the Minister aware that one hazard faced by farm workers is that of noise? I understand that farm safety inspectors are supplied with decibel meters. How many times have they been used, and have there been any prosecutions in the past two years?

Mr. Thomspon

I do not know the answer to either of those questions, but I shall write to the hon. Lady.

Mr. Randall

May I also take this opportunity to congratulate the Minister on his appointment? I hope, however, that it will not be too long before he and all his colleagues are sitting on the Opposition side of the House.

Is he aware that the main cause of farm accidents is tractors overturning? What plans does the Minister have to extend existing regulations to make roll-over protection compulsory on all tractors?

Mr. Thompson

I agree that one third of accidents involve self-propelled vehicles. The Health and Safety Executive is continually looking at such suggestions as the hon. Member has put forward.